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Potential Health Effects

In overdose situations, Advil® is the safest. Ibuprofen has the lowest toxicity of all over-the-counter pain medications. Due to its wide therapeutic margin and low toxicity profile, serious overdose situations or instances of death are rare.

Is Advil® toxic?

When used as directed, ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil®, is a safe and effective OTC pain reliever and fever reducer.

Can you overdose on Advil®?

When used as directed, Advil® is the safest in overdose situations. Signs of overdose are known to occur at 40x the maximum daily dose (1200mg). This low toxicity profile makes Advil® a safe and effective pain reliever for multiple aches and pains.

What happens if you overdose on Advil®?

If you overdose on Advil® call your doctor immediately or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Instances of overdose are extremely rare with Advil®. However, symptoms of overdose include GI disturbances, kidney failure, and a slowing down of your central nervous system. They typically appear within 4 hours but are largely reversible and have a low risk of long-term effects.

How many Advil® should I take?

It depends. For most Advil® products you can take 1 capsule/tablet every 4 to 6 hours. For Advil® Migraine take 2 capsules with a glass of water every 24 hours. Click on a product link below to learn more.

Can I take ibuprofen instead of opioids?

Yes. Ibuprofen, like Advil®, is a safe and effective non-addictive alternative to opioids. Unlike opioids, Advil® is non-habit forming—making it a safe and effective solution for those who want to treat their pain without the risk of forming a drug habit. NSAIDs, like Advil®, block chemicals at the site of pain. Opioids, on the other hand, work on receptors in the brain to block the transmission of pain and promote feelings of well-being, which make them addictive.

Can I use Advil® if I’m taking opioid medication?

It's best to talk to your doctor about combining Advil® with opioids since there's possibility for drug interaction, as some opioid medications contain other pain relievers that may interact with Advil®.

It’s important to know that studies show that taking ibuprofen (Advil®) can reduce the amount of opioids needed for pain relief, and in some cases they’re even prescribed together.